The First Six Weeks: This Beautiful Letter is a Must Read for All Newborn Parents

As parents, from time to time we come across a piece of writing that just speaks to us. And this beautifully written letter, from a newborn to his parents, is no exception. It poignantly sums up exactly what all parents need to remember during those first six weeks.

Whether it’s been six months or sixteen years since you were last in the newborn phase, this letter will hit you straight in the feels. We warn you though, you may need to grab the tissues to get through it.

The source is unknown but it’s been shared on Facebook by a UK maternity hospital, and through various other outlets too. We’d love to know who wrote it so if you do know, send us a message so we can credit the author.

The first six weeks

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

“Please keep this letter from me in a place where you can read it and re-read it when things are rough and you are feeling down.

Please don’t expect too much from me as a newborn baby, or too much from yourselves as parents. Give us both six weeks as a birthday present. Six weeks for me to grow, develop, mature, and become more stable and predictable. Six weeks for you to rest and relax and allow your body to get back to normal.

Please feed me when I am hungry. I never knew hunger in your womb and clocks and time mean little to me.

Please hold, cuddle, kiss, touch, stroke, and croon to me. I was always held closely in your womb and have never been alone before.

Please forgive me if I cry a lot. I am not a tyrant who was sent to make your life miserable. The only way I can tell you I am not happy is with my cry. Please, bear with me and in a short time, as I mature, I will spend less time crying and more time socialising.

Please take the time to find out who I am, how I differ from you and how much I can bring to you. Watch me carefully and I’ll tell you things which soothe, console and please me.

Please remember that I am resilient and can withstand the many natural mistakes you’ll make with me. As long as you make them with love, I cannot be harmed.

Please don’t be disappointed when I am not the perfect baby you expected nor be disappointed with yourselves when you are not the perfect parents.

Please take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, rest, and exercise so that when we are together, you have the patience and energy to take care of me. The cure for a fussy baby is more rest for Mum.

Please take care of your relationship with each other. What good is family bonding if there is no family left for me to bond with?

Keep the “big picture” in mind. I’ll be like this for a very short time, though it seems like forever to you now. Although I may have turned your life upside down, please remind yourselves that things will be back to normal before long.

Enjoy me – I’ll never be this little again!”

So much love for our newborns!

Those first few weeks are so tricky. You feel a mountain of love for your baby and you are eternally grateful to be their mum. But you are also so tired, swollen, sore and overwhelmed.

On those days when the exhaustion and frustration are taking over, remember this newborn letter.

Remember to breathe, to rest, to relax and to focus on your baby. Remember how little she is and just how amazing, despite the sleepless speed bumps and the blurry messes these first six weeks really are.